Display stand and expendable shelf for use thereon

ABSTRACT

A display stand comprising a four-sided base and a pair of upright shelf support means wherein the base is slidably assembled, and an extendable shelf for use on the display stand comprising a first shelf means, and a second shelf means wherein the second shelf means is capable of vertical movement with respect to the first shelf means.

' 0 United States Patent [151 3,640,389

Snyder 5] Feb. 8, 1972 [54] DISPLAY STAND AND EXPENDABLE 1,624,862 4/ 1927 SHELF FOR USE THEREON 2,645,359 7/ 1953 2,685,372 8 1954 [72] Inventor: Alan K. Snyder, River Forest, 111. 2 938 63] 5x960 [73] Assignee; Chicago splay Company, Melrose Park 3,081,718 3/1963 Shoffner ..2] H148 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [22] Filed: May 12, 1969 673,401 11/1963 Canada ..211/148 1 ApP 823,835 531,531 7/1933 Germany....

98,341 7/1961 Norway [52] US. CL ..211/148, 108/108, 211/153 51 1m. c1 .,A47b 96/02, A47f5/00 Prlmary Blms [58] Field of Search... .....211/134, 153, 148, 126, 133, Ammekfiumev Clement, Hume & bee

152; 248/165, 346, 48, 158 ABSTRACT A display stand comprising a four-sided base and a pair of [56] References cued upright shelf support means wherein the base is slidably as- P sembled, and an extendable shelf for USC on the stand comprising a first shelf means, and a second shelf means 2,41 La l lue X wherein the second shelf means is capable of vertical move- Schlld n X ment respect to the shelf means 644,346 2/1900 Winbum.. 108/96 X 735,312 8/1903 Stokes ..108/96 15 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures no mm mama] rte. amz

SHEEI 1 BF 4 9 m 6 O G O 7 f 7 m f /A m y. I 4 I 4 l .1h 2 l, o flaw 8 H I 4 n h mmw .l' mmm I II /..HI I III'I N H l i 4 .E I W l l k amnhq. a 0 mm mm "n L I 4 .J. F k N Q R J 3 l 9 7 2 2 l wo 7W We m 5 7 8 8 8 7 7 2 Inventor Alan K. Snyder Attorneys PATENTEI] FEB 8t972 3,640,389 SHEET 3 0F 4 m3 g I tnventor Alan K, Snyder MMWQ ZZL Attorneys DISPLAY STAND AND EXPENDABLE SHELF FOR USE THEREON FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to display stands and shelf structures adapted for merchandise display and more particularly to display stands and shelf structure characterized by high strength, rigidly, and ease of assembly without the use of tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The general purpose of this invention is to provide a display stand and a shelf for use thereon which embraces all the advantages of similarly employed display stands but which does not require the use of the usual nails, or fastening means; or the use of tools for assembly. To attain this, the present invention contemplates a display stand having a unique base arrangement wherein the parts of the base are all slidably en gageable with each other. An extendable display shelf is provided for use with the display stand. A portion of this shelf may be extended vertically and in this manner the shelf can be kept looking full with an attractive display even though a portion of the product thereon has been sold. 7

Therefore, an object of the present invention is the provision of a display stand which can be assembled or disassembled without the use of the usual nails, bolts, screws, and other fasteners; and which may be assembled without the use of tools.

Another object is to provide a display stand which forms the basis of a new and improved modular shelving unit.

A further object is the provision of an extendable shelf having a vertically extendable portion providing an esthetically pleasing display unit.

Still another object is to provide a novel display stand including interconnecting means which permit rapid assembly and disassembly without tools and without additional connecting means.

Yet another object is the provision of a shelving structure which may be inexpensively manufactured; and yet which is strong and versatile.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention, will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1., is a perspective view of a display stand embodying the features of the present invention.

FIG. 2., is an exploded view of the display stand of FIG. 1., showing the several sections only partially assembled.

FIG. 3., is a partially assembled view of the uprights and backing member of the display stand.

FIG. 3a., is a fragmentary view of the mounting means utilized with the shelves and top front plate of the display stand taken along line 3a-3a of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4., is a cross-sectional view of a shelf structure constructcd in accordance with the present invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5., is a top view of the shelf structures of the display stand taken on the line 55 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6., is an enlarged fragmentary view of the locking means of the vertically extendable shelf structures taken on the line 66 of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIG. 1., which illustrates a preferred embodiment, a display stand 10 having a frame 20, a base section 30, and a plurality of shelf structure 70. Broadly, the base section 30 comprises a front panel 31, two side panels 32, a rear panel 35, and a base shelf 44. The frame 20, which fits into base section 30, broadly comprises a pair of upright shelf support means 21, having apertures 53 along their length, a top panel 51, and back panels 41. Fluorescent light fixture 61 may also be attached to back panel 41. Each shelf structure 70 has a vertically extendable shelf means 80. The shelves are arranged to lock into apertures 53 of upright shelf support means 21, thereby forming a complete display stand.

Referring now to FIG. 2., the construction of the base section 30 will be explained. Front panel 31 has a flange member 36 on its lower edge and a flange member 37 along its upper edge. Both flange members 36, 37 extend inwardly from the interior face of front'panel 31. Also, along the inner face, a pair of tongue shaped members 34 are fastened vertically on either end. Side panels 32 each have a groove shaped member 39 on one end and a groove shaped member 38 on the opposite end. Upper and lower flange members 36 and 37, identical to those mentioned with regard to the front plate, are also present on the side panels 32. To assemble the base section, the two side panels 32 are placed in parallel relation to each other with the flanged members 36 and 37 facing inwardly. The front panel 31 is slid down between the two side panels 32 so that the tongue shaped members 34 slide over the groove shaped members 39 on side panel 32. With three sides now assembled, the end portions of the upright shelf support means 21, having inwardly projecting ribs 23, are inserted into the groove shaped member 38 of the side panels 32 as shown in FIG. 2. After both upright shelf support means 21 are positioned, the rear panel 35, carrying slots 33 fitting over inwardly projecting ribs 23 of upright shelf support means 21, is then installed between the uprights. FIG. 3., shows rear panel 35 in place. Flange members 37 on the front and side panels 31 and 32, respectively, as well as a flange member 49 on the rear panel 35 form a convenient seat on which to place a base shelf 44. At this stage of construction base shelf 44 is is placed in its preformed seat. Flange members 36 provide a convenient support member for the entire structure when placed on the floor.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 3a the completion of the base section 30 and the upright shelf support means 21 is shown. The completed display stand of the preferred embodiment utilizes two back panels 41. However, the back panels 41 are not required for a functional unit and any number of back panels 41 may be utilized depending on the size of the rack. Back panels 41 may be made of any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or wood. The back panel 41 has a grooveshaped member 43 secured along either side edge and which is shaped to conform to inwardly projecting rib 23 of the upright shelf support means 21. When backing plate 41 is inserted between the upright shelf support means 21, rib portion 23 and groove-shaped member 43 cooperate to form a rigid joint.

Display stand 20 is completed by the insertion of a display panel 51. Display panel 51 has a pair of mounting means 52 attached thereto which are adapted to fit into apertures 53 on the upright shelf support means 21. While two mounting means are shown, it is to be understood that any number of mounting means 52 may be utilized. The display panel 51 is placed so that the mounting means 52 is inserted up into apertures 53 of the upright shelf support means 21 as shown in FIG. 3. By pushing downwardly on display panel 51, the display panel 51 then locks to the upright shelf support means 21, forming a completed display stand without the shelves. If desired, fluorescent light fixture 61 may be attached to back panel 41 by any suitable fastening means. Apertures 45 are provided in the back panel 41 so as to allow any electrical connections that are required.

While conventional shelves may be used on the aforedescribed display unit, a preferred shelf structure 70 is shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. Referring now to these figures, there is shown an extendable shelf structure 70 having a vertically extendable shelf structure which is capable of movement between a position coplanar with shelf means 71, and a vertically upwardly extended position. A preferred embodiment of shelf structure 70 also includes a horizontally extendable structure 90. However, in order to practice the present invention, it is not necessary that this horizontally extendable means 90 be incorporated.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown an extendable shelf structure 70 having a first shelf means 71, a second shelf means 81, and a third shelf means 91. In the embodiment shown the shelf means 71, 81, 91, comprise a series of spaced crossbars 101 placed upon a pair of support members 72, 82, 92 respectively. First shelf means 71 is composed of crossbars 101 rigidly engaged to a pair of support members 72, while shelfsurfaces 81 and 91 are composed of crossbars 101 rigidly engaged to support members 82 and 92, respectively However it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that any conventional shelf means may be substituted for crossbars 101, e.g., a solid sheet of wood, metal, plastic or any similarly suitable material. This solid shelf surface would then be rigidly mounted to support members 72, 82, and 92, forming a shelf unit.

First shelf means 71 is stationary and is connected to support member 72. The support member 72 contains a mounting means 75 which is adapted to engage apertures 53 of upright shelf support means 21 in a conventional manner. A second shelf means 81 is located adjacent to shelf means 71. Shelf means 81 is connected to support member 82. Support member 82 may be a panel having shelf guide means 83 therein. Guide members 83 in a preferred embodiment are vertical slits. Shelf guide means 83 slidably engage guide pins 84 which are connected to the first shelf means 71. When it is desired to vertically raise, vertically extendable shelf structure 80, a handle 89 is grasped, raising the entire shelf structure 80. This vertically extendable shelf structure 80 is guided vertically by guide means 83 and guide pins 84 until guide means 83 engages guide pins 84 at the bottom most end of guide means 83. At this point, the upward vertical movement of the shelf is restrained and locking pin 87 shown more clearly in FIG. 6, engages depression 88 located in the side of frame 82, thereby forming a locking means which prevents the shelf from receding. To lower shelf means 81, slight pressure on support member 82 will disengage depression 88 from locking pin 87, thereby allowing the vertically extendable structure 80 to be guided vertically downward until the guide means 83 engage guide pins 84 at the top most end of the guide means 83.

Horizontally extendable shelf structure 90 in FIG. 6 is slidably connected to move horizontally between a lower shelf support means 93 and first shelf means 71. Shelf means 91 is moved horizontally by grasping a handle 96. Upon reaching the outermost limit of travel, a stop pin 94 will engage lower shelf support means 93, preventing further travel.

When vertically extendable shelf structure 80 is vertically extended simultaneously with horizontally extendable shelf structure 90 a three tier shelf arrangement is presented. When shelf structures 80 and 90 are retracted, a flat coplanar shelf structure as shown in FIG. is present.

The utilization of the vertically expandable shelf allows for a shelfwhich can be kept looking full, with an attractive display, even though a portion of the product thereon has been sold. After a row of the product is sold, the horizontally extended shelf structure 90 may be slid inwardly forming a more compact arrangement. As still more products are sold, the vertically extendable shelf structure 80 may be raised to form a step-shaped arrangement. Since the shelf is still largely covered with the product, it will appear quite full, maintaining a tiered product display.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing disclosure relates only to a preferred embodiment of the invention and that numerous modifications or alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An extendable shelf structure for mounting on a display stand comprising:

a pair of support members having means adapted for engaging said display stand;

a plurality of upper crossbars interconnecting said side members forming a first shelf means;

a lower shelf support means interconnecting said support members and spaced from said upper crossbars;

a second shelf means adapted to move horizontally between said upper crossbars and shelf support means between a retracted position and an extended position;

a third shelf means positioned adjacent to said first shelf means connected for vertical movement between a coplanar position and a vertically upwardly extended position;

said third shelf means comprising a top portion and a pair of vertical support members each having a pair of parallel vertical slots;

said first shelf means further comprising a pair of pins for engaging said pair of vertical slots; and

locking means attached to said first shelf means and said third shelf means to maintain said third shelf means in said vertically upwardly extending position.

2. A merchandise display stand comprising:

a base section having a front panel, a rear panel and two side panels;

said side panels each having a first groove member along a first edge and a second groove member along a second edge thereof and said front panel having tongue-shaped members adapted to slidable engage said first groove members of said side panels;

upright shelf support means slidably connected to said groove members of said side panels, said upright shelf support means having a plurality of apertures therein, said apertures being adaptable to secure a shelf structure;

said rear panel being slidably engaged with said upright shelf support means thereby forming said base section;

an extendable shelf structure mounted on said shelf support means said extendable shelf structure comprising,

a pair of support member having means adapted for engaging said display stand;

a plurality of upper crossbars interconnecting said support members forming a first shelf means;

a lower shelf support means interconnecting said support members and spaced from said upper crossbars;

a second shelf means adapted to move horizontally between said upper crossbars and said lower shelf support means between a retracted position and an extended position;

a third shelf means positioned adjacent to said first shelf means connected for vertical movement between a coplanar position and a vertically upwardly extended position;

said third shelf means comprising a top portion and a pair of vertical side members each having a pair of parallel vertical slots;

said first shelf means further comprising a pair of pins for engaging said pair of vertical slots; and

locking means attached to said first shelf means and said third shelf means to maintain said third shelf means in said vertically upwardly extending position.

3. A merchandise displace stand comprising:

a base section;

an upright shelf support means connected to said base section said upright shelf support means including vertically spaced means for mounting a plurality of shelf support means thereon;

a first shelf support means connected to said upright shelf support means;

a first shelf means, connected to said first shelf support means, defining a relatively flat surface; and

a second shelf means operably connected to said first shelf support means, defining a relatively flat surface coplanar with said first shelf means, wherein said second shelf means is operably connected for vertical movement from said coplanar position to a second position and wherein said second shelf means in said second position is vertically raised a preselected height in relation to said first shelf means.

4. The merchandise display stand of claim 3 further comprising:

a third shelf means operably connected to said first shelf support means wherein said third shelf means is adapted to move horizontally between a retracted position and an extended position.

5. The merchandise display stand of claim 3 wherein said second shelf means further comprises:

a top portion;

a pair of vertical side members, said side members each having a first guide means; and wherein said first shelf support means further includes a second guide means operably engaging said first guide means.

6. The merchandise display stand of claim 5 wherein said first guide means comprises a slot and said second guide means comprises a pin.

7. The merchandise display stand of claim 5 wherein said first guide means comprises a pair of parallel slots and said second guide means comprises a pair of pins.

8. The merchandise display stand of claim 6 wherein said display stand further includes locking means to maintain said second shelf means in said second position.

9. The merchandise display stand of claim 8 wherein said locking means comprises a depression means on said second shelf means and a locking pin means on said first shelf support means wherein said depression means and said locking pin are operable to maintain said second shelf means in said second position.

10. The merchandise display stand of claim 8 further comprising:

a third shelf means operably connected to said first shelf support means wherein said third shelf means is adapted to move horizontally between a retracted position and an extended position.

ll. A merchandise display stand comprising:

a base section having a front panel, a rear panel and two side panels;

said side panels each having a first groove member along a first edge and a second groove member along a second edge thereof and said front panel having tongue-shaped members adapted to slidably engage said first groove members of said side panels;

upright shelf support means slidably connected to said second groove members of said side panels;

said rear panel being slidably engaged with said upright shelf support means thereby forming said base section whereby said upright support means is solely supported by said base section; and

a back panel having preformed groove-shaped members along its vertical edge and wherein said groove-shaped members slidably engage said upright shelf support means.

12. The merchandise display stand of claim ll, wherein said upright support means contain a plurality of apertures therein, said apertures being adaptable to secure a shelf structure.

13. The merchandise display of shelf of claim 12 further comprising a top supporting means having mounting means capable of engaging said apertures in said upright shelf support means.

14. A merchandise display stand comprising:

a base section having a front panel, a rear panel and two side panels;

said side panels each having a first groove member along a first edge and a second groove member along a second edge thereof and said front panel having tongue-shaped members adapted to slidably engage said first groove members of said side panels;

upright shelf support means slidably connected to said second groove members of said side panels;

said rear panel being slidably engaged with said upright shelf support means thereby forming said base section whereby said upright support means is solely supported by said base section;

a first shelf support means connected to said upright shelf support means; a first shelf means, connected to said first shelf support means, defining a relatively flat surface; and

a second shelf means operably connected to said first shelf support means, defining a relatively flat surface coplanar with said first shelf means, wherein said second shelf means is operably connected for vertical movement from said coplanar position to a second position and wherein said second shelf means in said second position is vertically raised a preselected height in relation to said first shelf means.

15. The merchandise display stand of claim 14 further com prising:

a third shelf means operably connected to said first shelf support means wherein said third shelf means is adapted to move horizontally between a retracted position and an extended position.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOT'ISCHALK Commissioner of Patents I UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Dat February 8 1972 Patent No. 3, 640 389 Inventor(s) Alan Snyder It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 4, line 30, insert the word "second" before the word "groove."

Signed and sealed this 6th day of June 1972.

Attesting Officer USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 fi u.s, GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: I969 o-ass-au FORM PO-IOSO (10-69) 

1. An extendable shelf structure for mounting on a display stand comprising: a pair of support members having means adapted for engaging said display stand; a plurality of upper crossbars interconnecting said side members forming a first shelf means; a lower shelf support means interconnecting said support members and spaced from said upper crossbars; a second shelf means adapted to move horizontally between said upper crossbars and shelf support means between a retracted position and an extended position; a third shelf means positioned adjacent to said first shelf means connected for vertical movement between a coplanar position and a vertically upwardly extended position; said third shelf means comprising a top portion and a pair of vertical support members each having a pair of parallel vertical slots; said first shelf means further comprising a pair of pins for engaging said pair of vertical slots; and locking means attached to said first shelf means and said third shelf means to maintain said third shelf means in said vertically upwardly extending position.
 2. A merchandise display stand comprising: a base section having a front panel, a rear panel and two side panels; said side panels each having a first groove member along a first edge and a second groove member along a second edge thereof and said front panel having tongue-shaped members adapted to slidably engage said first groove members of said side panels; upright shelf support means slidably connected to said second groove members of said side panels, said upright shelf support means having a plurality of apertures therein, said apertures being adaptable to secure a shelf structure; said rear panel being slidably engaged with said upright shelf support means thereby forming said base section; an extendable shelf structure mounted on said shelf support means said extendable shelf structure comprising, a pair of support member having means adapted for engaging said display stand; a plurality of upper crossbars interconnecting said support members forming a first shelf means; a lower shelf support means interconnecting said support members and spaced from said upper crossbars; a second shelf means adapted to move horizontally between said upper crossbars and said lower shelf support means between a retracted position and an extended position; a third shelf means positioned adjacent to said first shelf means connected for vertical movement between a coplanar position and a vertically upwardly extended position; said third shelf means comprising a top portion and a pair of vertical side members each having a pair of parallel vertical slots; said first shelf means further comprising a pair of pins for engaging said pair of vertical slots; and locking means attached to said first shelf means and said third shelf meaNs to maintain said third shelf means in said vertically upwardly extending position.
 3. A merchandise displace stand comprising: a base section; an upright shelf support means connected to said base section said upright shelf support means including vertically spaced means for mounting a plurality of shelf support means thereon; a first shelf support means connected to said upright shelf support means; a first shelf means, connected to said first shelf support means, defining a relatively flat surface; and a second shelf means operably connected to said first shelf support means, defining a relatively flat surface coplanar with said first shelf means, wherein said second shelf means is operably connected for vertical movement from said coplanar position to a second position and wherein said second shelf means in said second position is vertically raised a preselected height in relation to said first shelf means.
 4. The merchandise display stand of claim 3 further comprising: a third shelf means operably connected to said first shelf support means wherein said third shelf means is adapted to move horizontally between a retracted position and an extended position.
 5. The merchandise display stand of claim 3 wherein said second shelf means further comprises: a top portion; a pair of vertical side members, said side members each having a first guide means; and wherein said first shelf support means further includes a second guide means operably engaging said first guide means.
 6. The merchandise display stand of claim 5 wherein said first guide means comprises a slot and said second guide means comprises a pin.
 7. The merchandise display stand of claim 5 wherein said first guide means comprises a pair of parallel slots and said second guide means comprises a pair of pins.
 8. The merchandise display stand of claim 6 wherein said display stand further includes locking means to maintain said second shelf means in said second position.
 9. The merchandise display stand of claim 8 wherein said locking means comprises a depression means on said second shelf means and a locking pin means on said first shelf support means wherein said depression means and said locking pin are operable to maintain said second shelf means in said second position.
 10. The merchandise display stand of claim 8 further comprising: a third shelf means operably connected to said first shelf support means wherein said third shelf means is adapted to move horizontally between a retracted position and an extended position.
 11. A merchandise display stand comprising: a base section having a front panel, a rear panel and two side panels; said side panels each having a first groove member along a first edge and a second groove member along a second edge thereof and said front panel having tongue-shaped members adapted to slidably engage said first groove members of said side panels; upright shelf support means slidably connected to said second groove members of said side panels; said rear panel being slidably engaged with said upright shelf support means thereby forming said base section whereby said upright support means is solely supported by said base section; and a back panel having preformed groove-shaped members along its vertical edge and wherein said groove-shaped members slidably engage said upright shelf support means.
 12. The merchandise display stand of claim 11, wherein said upright support means contain a plurality of apertures therein, said apertures being adaptable to secure a shelf structure.
 13. The merchandise display shelf of claim 12 further comprising a top supporting means having mounting means capable of engaging said apertures in said upright shelf support means.
 14. A merchandise display stand comprising: a base section having a front panel, a rear panel and two side panels; said side panels each having a first groove member along A first edge and a second groove member along a second edge thereof and said front panel having tongue-shaped members adapted to slidably engage said first groove members of said side panels; upright shelf support means slidably connected to said second groove members of said side panels; said rear panel being slidably engaged with said upright shelf support means thereby forming said base section whereby said upright support means is solely supported by said base section; a first shelf support means connected to said upright shelf support means; a first shelf means, connected to said first shelf support means, defining a relatively flat surface; and a second shelf means operably connected to said first shelf support means, defining a relatively flat surface coplanar with said first shelf means, wherein said second shelf means is operably connected for vertical movement from said coplanar position to a second position and wherein said second shelf means in said second position is vertically raised a preselected height in relation to said first shelf means.
 15. The merchandise display stand of claim 14 further comprising: a third shelf means operably connected to said first shelf support means wherein said third shelf means is adapted to move horizontally between a retracted position and an extended position. 